Page 32 of Intense
“At least I don’t get arrested at work,” I spit back.
His face remains stoic.
“Touché. Have a point for that comeback, Stephanie. Well done. You really hurt me there.” He places a tatted hand over his chest.
“Whatever,” I scoff, heading back to my seat next to our new junior, Poppy.
He scans the room one last time before turning on his heel, and the door slams behind him. I let out a breath the second he’s gone.
Every interaction with this man both excites me and exhausts me.
“Is it always so tense between you two?” Poppy asks.
She’s young and full of life.
She doesn’t understand.
“Yes. Always,” I mutter.
Chapter 13
FINN
“Drink?” Declan asks before I even take a seat.
“Large one.”
As I drop down onto the couch, his wife, Charlotte, appears with a sleeping Noah in her arms and little Isabella trailing behind.
“Uncle Finn!”
“Come here. I need a hug.” I open my arms and she barrels toward me, launching into my lap like she’s been waiting all day.
“How was jail? Did you have to pick up any soap?” Charlotte smirks.
I knew I wouldn’t live this down with her.
“You’re a wicked woman, Charlotte.”
“Heartbreaker, are you picking on my brother again?” Declan steps in with two whiskeys, kissing her cheek as he hands me one.
“Always,” she purrs.
They’re sickeningly sweet. Both of my brothers are married, trying to be softer versions of themselves. They’ve found peace in places I can’t even look too long without flinching. They’re just like Mom and Dad used to be.
And me? I’m still the jagged piece that doesn’t fit the family frame. Watching love from the outside, pretending like I don’t want it, like it wouldn’t burn straight through me if I ever tried to hold it.
But then Isabella curls her arms around my neck and presses her head into my shoulder. Her weight anchors me. Calms the rage always simmering beneath my skin.
She’s, so far, the only person alive who can do that.
“Please don’t leave us, Uncle Finn,” she whispers.
I pull her tighter and kiss the top of her head.
“Like I could ever leave my niece and nephews. I love you too much.”
“Come on, Isabella. Drago’s waiting for you!” Charlotte calls.
